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  4. Global warming 'confirmed' by independent study

Global warming 'confirmed' by independent study

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  • N Nagy Vilmos

    Aunty[^] reported:

    The Earth's surface really is getting warmer, a new analysis by a US scientific group set up in the wake of the "Climategate" affair has concluded.

    The study is by Berkeley Earth Project[^], an 'independent' group who were set up and funded by climate change sceptics. Who'd have thunk it.


    Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

    T Offline
    T Offline
    TheGreatAndPowerfulOz
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    ooohhh, so the Earth is in a "warming period", just part of the natural cycle. I have no problem with that. It's quite evident just looking at the historical record, i.e., the medieval warming period[^], makes it undeniable. However, there's no real evidence that humankind is responsible for any of it. And given mankinds' propensity to do exactly the wrong thing, I think we should be extremely careful about what we do. I'm all for reducing polution, being "greener". The laughable thing is that most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it. So goes most things political. This is *not* science, it's politics at its worst.

    If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
    You must accept one of two basic premises: Either we are alone in the universe, or we are not alone in the universe. And either way, the implications are staggering” - Wernher von Braun

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    • T TheGreatAndPowerfulOz

      ooohhh, so the Earth is in a "warming period", just part of the natural cycle. I have no problem with that. It's quite evident just looking at the historical record, i.e., the medieval warming period[^], makes it undeniable. However, there's no real evidence that humankind is responsible for any of it. And given mankinds' propensity to do exactly the wrong thing, I think we should be extremely careful about what we do. I'm all for reducing polution, being "greener". The laughable thing is that most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it. So goes most things political. This is *not* science, it's politics at its worst.

      If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
      You must accept one of two basic premises: Either we are alone in the universe, or we are not alone in the universe. And either way, the implications are staggering” - Wernher von Braun

      C Offline
      C Offline
      Corporal Agarn
      wrote on last edited by
      #6

      ahmed zahmed wrote:

      most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it

      My complaint about electric cars. You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

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      • C Corporal Agarn

        ahmed zahmed wrote:

        most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it

        My complaint about electric cars. You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

        T Offline
        T Offline
        TheGreatAndPowerfulOz
        wrote on last edited by
        #7

        Exactly. Case-in-point.

        If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
        You must accept one of two basic premises: Either we are alone in the universe, or we are not alone in the universe. And either way, the implications are staggering” - Wernher von Braun

        1 Reply Last reply
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        • C Corporal Agarn

          ahmed zahmed wrote:

          most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it

          My complaint about electric cars. You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

          I Offline
          I Offline
          Ian Shlasko
          wrote on last edited by
          #8

          djj55 wrote:

          You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

          POP QUIZ Question 1: Say we suddenly figure out a new power source that doesn't pollute NEARLY as much as coal... Such as... Oh, I don't know... Solar, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Wind... You know, those things in science fiction novels that would obviously never work in real life... Which would be easier? A) Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power. OR B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types. Question 2: Even if we do generate some of our power with fossil fuels (Coal/gas), which is less polluting? A) Millions of inefficient gas generators (Also known as "Internal Combustion Engines"), each designed to minimize weight and noise, and only checked once a year when the owner brings their vehicle in for an inspection. OR B) A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage. Please keep your eyes on your own quiz, and pass them up to the front of the classroom when done.

          Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
          Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

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          • C Corporal Agarn

            ahmed zahmed wrote:

            most of what we've done so far to address "GW" has been counter-productive and has increased polution rather than reduce it

            My complaint about electric cars. You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

            L Offline
            L Offline
            Lost User
            wrote on last edited by
            #9

            Doesn't matter, they're still more efficient (CO2 wise anyway) Especially in France where more than half of the electricity is from nuclear power, but also in general.

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            • I Ian Shlasko

              djj55 wrote:

              You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

              POP QUIZ Question 1: Say we suddenly figure out a new power source that doesn't pollute NEARLY as much as coal... Such as... Oh, I don't know... Solar, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Wind... You know, those things in science fiction novels that would obviously never work in real life... Which would be easier? A) Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power. OR B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types. Question 2: Even if we do generate some of our power with fossil fuels (Coal/gas), which is less polluting? A) Millions of inefficient gas generators (Also known as "Internal Combustion Engines"), each designed to minimize weight and noise, and only checked once a year when the owner brings their vehicle in for an inspection. OR B) A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage. Please keep your eyes on your own quiz, and pass them up to the front of the classroom when done.

              Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
              Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

              C Offline
              C Offline
              Corporal Agarn
              wrote on last edited by
              #10

              Ian Shlasko wrote:

              Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power.

              My teachers in grade school said we would have this now.

              Ian Shlasko wrote:

              B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types.

              The president can do this as a stimulas package. I sure cannot afford a new car.

              Ian Shlasko wrote:

              A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage.

              Who is going to build these? So in ten plus years we have the plants. Note that Ohio coal is known to be very poluting. By the way my post was half in jest, but shows a need for differnt power grid source.

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              • L Lost User

                Doesn't matter, they're still more efficient (CO2 wise anyway) Especially in France where more than half of the electricity is from nuclear power, but also in general.

                C Offline
                C Offline
                Corporal Agarn
                wrote on last edited by
                #11

                I would like nuclear power but it take about thiry years to build a plant and get it running. The very people who say we need clean cars say we no nuclear plants. As I stated above Ohio coal burns very dirty.

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                • C Corporal Agarn

                  Ian Shlasko wrote:

                  Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power.

                  My teachers in grade school said we would have this now.

                  Ian Shlasko wrote:

                  B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types.

                  The president can do this as a stimulas package. I sure cannot afford a new car.

                  Ian Shlasko wrote:

                  A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage.

                  Who is going to build these? So in ten plus years we have the plants. Note that Ohio coal is known to be very poluting. By the way my post was half in jest, but shows a need for differnt power grid source.

                  I Offline
                  I Offline
                  Ian Shlasko
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #12

                  djj55 wrote:

                  The president can do this as a stimulas package. I sure cannot afford a new car.

                  But at some point, your current car will break down, or become too expensive to fuel... So eventually, you'll buy a new one...

                  djj55 wrote:

                  Who is going to build these? So in ten plus years we have the plants. Note that Ohio coal is known to be very poluting.

                  Umm, that's what we already have... And yeah, coal sucks... The point is that one big power plant is much more efficient and less polluting than the equivalent number of vehicle-sized power plants (engines).

                  Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                  Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                  J 1 Reply Last reply
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                  • L Lost User

                    Nagy Vilmos wrote:

                    Who'd have thunk it.

                    Anyone - like me - who is a skeptic rather than a rabid rightie. I have never had a problem with Global Warming, or with the fact that humankind contributes to it. What I do question is what proportion of the warming is our natural climb from the so-called 'Little Ice Age', and what from fossil fuel burning, land use, etc. As I do not believe that the three data sets (NASA GISS, NOAA, HadCRUT) were homogenised/normalised to show Global Warming, I am not surprised that the BEST open study mirrors them closely. The importance of BEST is that it presents us with: An open record that will allow rapid response to further criticism or suggestions. The results will include not only the team's best estimate for global temperature change, but estimates of uncertainties in the record, the complete raw and normalized data bases and all of the algorithms and techniques used by the team. As for the politics of it all, I find the 'solutions' proposed by governments to be ludicrous.

                    Be dogmatic, not thoughtful. It's easier, and you get bumper stickers.- Anon.

                    J Offline
                    J Offline
                    jschell
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #13

                    ict558 wrote:

                    What I do question is what proportion of the warming is our natural climb from the so-called 'Little Ice Age', and what from fossil fuel burning, land use, etc.

                    Myself I question whether we could do anything about it even if it were so. Excluding a rapid and significant population decrease of course.

                    1 Reply Last reply
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                    • I Ian Shlasko

                      djj55 wrote:

                      You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

                      POP QUIZ Question 1: Say we suddenly figure out a new power source that doesn't pollute NEARLY as much as coal... Such as... Oh, I don't know... Solar, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Wind... You know, those things in science fiction novels that would obviously never work in real life... Which would be easier? A) Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power. OR B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types. Question 2: Even if we do generate some of our power with fossil fuels (Coal/gas), which is less polluting? A) Millions of inefficient gas generators (Also known as "Internal Combustion Engines"), each designed to minimize weight and noise, and only checked once a year when the owner brings their vehicle in for an inspection. OR B) A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage. Please keep your eyes on your own quiz, and pass them up to the front of the classroom when done.

                      Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                      Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                      J Offline
                      J Offline
                      jschell
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #14

                      Ian Shlasko wrote:

                      A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output

                      Are you suggesting in your scenario that those "Millions of inefficient gas generators" would be replaced by efficient electric engines?

                      Ian Shlasko wrote:

                      which is less polluting?

                      Which is less polluting, each cow expelling waste gases (breathing, digestion, etc) into the atmosphere or each cow encased in a gas tight suit capable of collecting all such gases and saving them for later disposal is a suitable way?

                      Ian Shlasko wrote:

                      POP QUIZ

                      Pop Quiz: Which is more likely to happen of the following scenarios. 1. Humans will change their basic nature and rework their entire economic system. 2. Aliens from some far distant star with every solution possible will show up. 3. Wizards will appear and start granting wishes right and left.

                      I 1 Reply Last reply
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                      • J jschell

                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                        A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output

                        Are you suggesting in your scenario that those "Millions of inefficient gas generators" would be replaced by efficient electric engines?

                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                        which is less polluting?

                        Which is less polluting, each cow expelling waste gases (breathing, digestion, etc) into the atmosphere or each cow encased in a gas tight suit capable of collecting all such gases and saving them for later disposal is a suitable way?

                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                        POP QUIZ

                        Pop Quiz: Which is more likely to happen of the following scenarios. 1. Humans will change their basic nature and rework their entire economic system. 2. Aliens from some far distant star with every solution possible will show up. 3. Wizards will appear and start granting wishes right and left.

                        I Offline
                        I Offline
                        Ian Shlasko
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #15

                        jschell wrote:

                        Are you suggesting in your scenario that those "Millions of inefficient gas generators" would be replaced by efficient electric engines?

                        Electric engines ARE more efficient than internal combustion engines... No more pistons, no more transmission, no more spark plugs, no more exhaust fumes, etc.

                        jschell wrote:

                        Which is less polluting, each cow expelling waste gases (breathing, digestion, etc) into the atmosphere or each cow encased in a gas tight suit capable of collecting all such gases and saving them for later disposal is a suitable way?

                        What does that have to do with anything?

                        jschell wrote:

                        Which is more likely to happen of the following scenarios.
                        1. Humans will change their basic nature and rework their entire economic system.

                        Again, what does that have to do with anything? Since when does using more efficient energy require us to change our basic nature and rework our economic system? We're talking about clean energy, not Star Trek.

                        Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                        Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                        J 1 Reply Last reply
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                        • I Ian Shlasko

                          jschell wrote:

                          Are you suggesting in your scenario that those "Millions of inefficient gas generators" would be replaced by efficient electric engines?

                          Electric engines ARE more efficient than internal combustion engines... No more pistons, no more transmission, no more spark plugs, no more exhaust fumes, etc.

                          jschell wrote:

                          Which is less polluting, each cow expelling waste gases (breathing, digestion, etc) into the atmosphere or each cow encased in a gas tight suit capable of collecting all such gases and saving them for later disposal is a suitable way?

                          What does that have to do with anything?

                          jschell wrote:

                          Which is more likely to happen of the following scenarios.
                          1. Humans will change their basic nature and rework their entire economic system.

                          Again, what does that have to do with anything? Since when does using more efficient energy require us to change our basic nature and rework our economic system? We're talking about clean energy, not Star Trek.

                          Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                          Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                          J Offline
                          J Offline
                          jschell
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #16

                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                          Electric engines ARE more efficient than internal combustion engine

                          My net worth is 'more' than when I was 20 but that doesn't make me rich.

                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                          What does that have to do with anything?

                          Just as relevant as your question since it completely ignores the vast issues surrounding it.

                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                          Again, what does that have to do with anything?

                          Because it is just as relevant as your post.

                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                          Since when does using more efficient energy require us to change our basic nature and rework our economic system?

                          I see. So you think millions of automobiles are going to be magically converted into efficient electric vehicles. Thus bypassing reality entirely.

                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                          We're talking about clean energy, not Star Trek.

                          Apt analogy. Both are fantasy.

                          I 1 Reply Last reply
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                          • J jschell

                            Ian Shlasko wrote:

                            Electric engines ARE more efficient than internal combustion engine

                            My net worth is 'more' than when I was 20 but that doesn't make me rich.

                            Ian Shlasko wrote:

                            What does that have to do with anything?

                            Just as relevant as your question since it completely ignores the vast issues surrounding it.

                            Ian Shlasko wrote:

                            Again, what does that have to do with anything?

                            Because it is just as relevant as your post.

                            Ian Shlasko wrote:

                            Since when does using more efficient energy require us to change our basic nature and rework our economic system?

                            I see. So you think millions of automobiles are going to be magically converted into efficient electric vehicles. Thus bypassing reality entirely.

                            Ian Shlasko wrote:

                            We're talking about clean energy, not Star Trek.

                            Apt analogy. Both are fantasy.

                            I Offline
                            I Offline
                            Ian Shlasko
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #17

                            jschell wrote:

                            I see. So you think millions of automobiles are going to be magically converted into efficient electric vehicles. Thus bypassing reality entirely.

                            Funny, I was under the impression that electric cars already existed... And somehow our economy hasn't changed... Think MAYBE that means we can move to electric cars without corrupting the space-time continuum?

                            Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                            Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                            J 1 Reply Last reply
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                            • I Ian Shlasko

                              djj55 wrote:

                              You really got to work those coal powered electric plants to supply power to the cars.

                              POP QUIZ Question 1: Say we suddenly figure out a new power source that doesn't pollute NEARLY as much as coal... Such as... Oh, I don't know... Solar, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Wind... You know, those things in science fiction novels that would obviously never work in real life... Which would be easier? A) Miniaturize that technology, and go out and replace every single vehicle with its own high-tech power generator. Then do that again every time we find a more efficient way to generate power. OR B) Replace all vehicles ONCE, such that they use some kind of generic power source, like... electricity. Then, just gradually replace coal power plants with less-polluting types. Question 2: Even if we do generate some of our power with fossil fuels (Coal/gas), which is less polluting? A) Millions of inefficient gas generators (Also known as "Internal Combustion Engines"), each designed to minimize weight and noise, and only checked once a year when the owner brings their vehicle in for an inspection. OR B) A few hundred massive power plants, each designed for maximum efficiency and output, constantly maintained by a dedicated staff of engineers, and monitored by government agencies to minimize environmental damage. Please keep your eyes on your own quiz, and pass them up to the front of the classroom when done.

                              Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                              Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                              L Offline
                              L Offline
                              Lost User
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #18

                              Ian Shlasko wrote:

                              A) Millions of inefficient gas generators (Also known as "Internal Combustion Engines"), each designed to minimize weight and noise, and only checked once a year when the owner brings their vehicle in for an inspection.

                              You know less about cars than GW. The car is checked for road worthyness ever year, in some coutries two, but its engine is checked at every service as specified by the manufaturer, you know them, they are those dedicated engineers who actually design them for maximum efficiency and output as well as weight and noise (noise which is controled by the government by the way). The car worthyness check is government controled, the equpment to carry out the test is government regulated, and the individual doing the test government licensed. So sorry, what was that you were sayinog about the benefits of power stations as opposed to car engines? :laugh:

                              ============================== Nothing to say.

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                              • N Nagy Vilmos

                                Aunty[^] reported:

                                The Earth's surface really is getting warmer, a new analysis by a US scientific group set up in the wake of the "Climategate" affair has concluded.

                                The study is by Berkeley Earth Project[^], an 'independent' group who were set up and funded by climate change sceptics. Who'd have thunk it.


                                Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

                                L Offline
                                L Offline
                                Lost User
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #19

                                Science meticulously verifies, people on the internet bluster. So it goes. I wonder why this Berkeley group didn't recruit some of the people on this board with their obviously scary talent for climate science.

                                - F

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                                • I Ian Shlasko

                                  djj55 wrote:

                                  The president can do this as a stimulas package. I sure cannot afford a new car.

                                  But at some point, your current car will break down, or become too expensive to fuel... So eventually, you'll buy a new one...

                                  djj55 wrote:

                                  Who is going to build these? So in ten plus years we have the plants. Note that Ohio coal is known to be very poluting.

                                  Umm, that's what we already have... And yeah, coal sucks... The point is that one big power plant is much more efficient and less polluting than the equivalent number of vehicle-sized power plants (engines).

                                  Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                                  Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                                  J Offline
                                  J Offline
                                  Jorgen Andersson
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #20

                                  Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                  The point is that one big power plant is much more efficient and less polluting than the equivalent number of vehicle-sized power plants (engines).

                                  Are you sure about that? According to Wikipedia [^] is the efficiency of coal or oil powered plants typically 33%. But according to Energiefakten[^] it's actually as low as 31%. Efficiency in modern diesel truck engines are around 45%. Which is of course a number a normal petrol driven car will not achieve. Maximum efficiency for a modern petrol engine is around 35% at close to full throttle, which of course is not how you normally drive. So 20% is a more useful figure So what's the efficiency of the electric car then: Well, the battery chargers are usually between 85-90%. The efficiency of NiCd batteries are between 70% and 90% depending on how they're used. And the efficiency of the electric motor/inverter is 80%. Let's use the higher numbers and you will get a total figure of 65%. The efficiency of the powerplant was 33%, so the total efficiency for the electric car would be around 21%. This is just efficiency so far, add the fact that an electric car with the same performance and range as the petrol driven car would weigh more than twice as much and therefore need twice as much power. Add another fact that electric cars are putting an extra stress on the environment from the heavy metals used in the batteries. In short, electric cars doesn't solve anything except in the small scale, removing pollution from the city centers. A better solution is to run diesel cars on renewable resources from farming byproducts using known processes such as Fischer Tropsch_process[^]

                                  Light moves faster than sound. That is why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak.

                                  I 1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • J Jorgen Andersson

                                    Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                    The point is that one big power plant is much more efficient and less polluting than the equivalent number of vehicle-sized power plants (engines).

                                    Are you sure about that? According to Wikipedia [^] is the efficiency of coal or oil powered plants typically 33%. But according to Energiefakten[^] it's actually as low as 31%. Efficiency in modern diesel truck engines are around 45%. Which is of course a number a normal petrol driven car will not achieve. Maximum efficiency for a modern petrol engine is around 35% at close to full throttle, which of course is not how you normally drive. So 20% is a more useful figure So what's the efficiency of the electric car then: Well, the battery chargers are usually between 85-90%. The efficiency of NiCd batteries are between 70% and 90% depending on how they're used. And the efficiency of the electric motor/inverter is 80%. Let's use the higher numbers and you will get a total figure of 65%. The efficiency of the powerplant was 33%, so the total efficiency for the electric car would be around 21%. This is just efficiency so far, add the fact that an electric car with the same performance and range as the petrol driven car would weigh more than twice as much and therefore need twice as much power. Add another fact that electric cars are putting an extra stress on the environment from the heavy metals used in the batteries. In short, electric cars doesn't solve anything except in the small scale, removing pollution from the city centers. A better solution is to run diesel cars on renewable resources from farming byproducts using known processes such as Fischer Tropsch_process[^]

                                    Light moves faster than sound. That is why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak.

                                    I Offline
                                    I Offline
                                    Ian Shlasko
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #21

                                    So what you're saying is that given the same original fuel source (Gas/oil), electric cars are just as efficient (Yes, with some considerations regarding rare metals), while moving the pollution to the power plant itself. Which leads right into my other argument... It's a lot easier, logistically speaking, to improve a small handful of power plants, as opposed to going out and upgrading every single vehicle (again). An electric car can receive its charge from any kind of power plant, but a gas/diesel car can only take fuel from one source.

                                    Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                                    Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

                                    J J 2 Replies Last reply
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                                    • I Ian Shlasko

                                      So what you're saying is that given the same original fuel source (Gas/oil), electric cars are just as efficient (Yes, with some considerations regarding rare metals), while moving the pollution to the power plant itself. Which leads right into my other argument... It's a lot easier, logistically speaking, to improve a small handful of power plants, as opposed to going out and upgrading every single vehicle (again). An electric car can receive its charge from any kind of power plant, but a gas/diesel car can only take fuel from one source.

                                      Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                                      Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

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                                      Jorgen Andersson
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #22

                                      You're forgetting the cost of necessary upgrades[^] of the electric grid. And the usability of the electric cars are lacking a lot, considering added weight, range and recharge time. I still claim it's mostly for the city. Here's[^] an interesting link.

                                      Light moves faster than sound. That is why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak. List of common misconceptions

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                                      • I Ian Shlasko

                                        jschell wrote:

                                        I see. So you think millions of automobiles are going to be magically converted into efficient electric vehicles. Thus bypassing reality entirely.

                                        Funny, I was under the impression that electric cars already existed... And somehow our economy hasn't changed... Think MAYBE that means we can move to electric cars without corrupting the space-time continuum?

                                        Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                                        Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

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                                        jschell
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #23

                                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                        Funny, I was under the impression that electric cars already existed..

                                        Solar panels exist as well. As do ocean thermal generators. But there is a HUGE difference between existence and replacement.

                                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                        And somehow our economy hasn't changed..

                                        Specious. It has nothing to do with existence. It has to do with replacement.

                                        Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                        Think MAYBE that means we can move to electric cars without corrupting the space-time continuum?

                                        There is a HUGE difference between existence and even acceptance much less replacement. If you can produce an electric car (and scooter) that is 1/10 the cost and which costs 1/10 as much to operate and has at least as much power and range as the existing gasoline vehicles then I say you have a shot. Much better if it was 1/100 and with more power/range. There would still be an infrastructure build out period though. Of course currently it isn't even close to that. It costs more and has less power/range.

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                                        • I Ian Shlasko

                                          So what you're saying is that given the same original fuel source (Gas/oil), electric cars are just as efficient (Yes, with some considerations regarding rare metals), while moving the pollution to the power plant itself. Which leads right into my other argument... It's a lot easier, logistically speaking, to improve a small handful of power plants, as opposed to going out and upgrading every single vehicle (again). An electric car can receive its charge from any kind of power plant, but a gas/diesel car can only take fuel from one source.

                                          Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
                                          Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)

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                                          jschell
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #24

                                          Ian Shlasko wrote:

                                          It's a lot easier, logistically speaking, to improve a small handful of power plants, as opposed to going out and upgrading every single vehicle (again)

                                          Sounds good in theory. Completely ignores economics though. You have to build the power plants. You have to build the distribution networks. You have to build the distribution points (you didn't think you were going to plug into some strangers outlet for free did you?) You need to build the auto production plants. You need to produce the materials for the cars. etc.... That all costs money. That would all need to occur given that there is no NET difference between a gas and electric to the average consumer. Or worse it costs more to the average consumer for many years to come. The average consumer is not going to pay more for many years without incentive. If you want everyone to use an electric car then you better come up with one that costs substantially less that a gas powered one and which is as easy to use and has all of the features (like power) that the gas ones do. That would drive the market. That would drive the need.

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